APWU calls for public hearing on USPS subcontractors’ request for safety rule exemption

The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has called for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct a public hearing on the request from US Postal Service (USPS) subcontractors for an exemption from the “14-hour” Federal Safety Rule. The request for a waiver has come from the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association, which represents private trucking companies that carry US mail. The The exemption would allow drivers working for the contractors to operate trucks after being on duty more than 14 hours following a break of less than 10 hours.

“Private trucking firms are willing to risk safety on the roads so they can squeeze a few extra hours of labor from already-overworked truck drivers,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “This is a dangerous proposal and regulators should reject it.”